Month: August 2012

Tom Lewis, named after the five-time Open champion Tom Watson, resides in Welwyn Garden City, which is also the hometown of the three-time Open winner Sir Nick Faldo. This seemed like a good sign for Lewis plays well in golf also.

One evening at the Royal St. George’s, the audience rose to applaud the brilliant performance of Tom Lewis, a 20 years old amateur player. They also cheered for Watson but the great player himself fell back, allowing Lewis to take his moment.
Lewis made a putt and he had a par, followed by four straight birdies from the 14th hole. This was due to excellent golf performance that he turned out to be the first beginner to lead in the Open at the last part of its round.

At the 140th Open, Lewis’s five-under 65 equaled Thomas Bjorn’s lead since the start of the opening day. Watson had a score of 72 like Henrik Stenson who was the group’s third member.

Lewis was in highest form that season. He obtained a trophy at St. Andrews Links; and his 63 and 65 scores made him qualify for the Rye Open. He also triumphed at the British Boys Championship at Sandwich, where that tournament starred Matteo Manassero, the reigning amateur winner that time who became the low amateur during the 2009 Open.

Manassero, just like Lewis, was honored to be able to play with Watson at Turnberry on the first two rounds. According to Lewis, they did not converse much but the man had been supportive of him. He was even thrilled at Watson’s presence.

He also said that he wanted to acquire the initial tee shot because he did not want to embarrass himself with Tom Watson watching, and to shoot a 65 before him was amazing. Likewise, Watson said that he carried a smile inside just to see him play.